I recently read this interesting article recently in the Education Times on Advance Placement (AP) Exams. For some reasons, this is the first time, I heard about them and hence thought it was appropriate to share this with others who might have missed it. Essentially, if one is planning to pursue undergraduate education abroad, then, taking the advanced placement (AP) examinations could be really helpful.
AP exams are essentially proficiency based exams in given discipline. The exams are held once a year in the month of May and are a combination of multiple choice questions and essays. The exams are offered in various subject areas and are scored on a five point scale with five points being the highest score.
There are a number of benefits of taking the AP examinations as enumerated below:
College Credit:Most US based colleges as well as those in other countries generally recognize the AP exams and give credit towards the undergraduate degree for students who receive a five on the AP exams. Some colleges also give credit to those students scoring a three or a four on the exams. These credits are counted towards graduation and in effect can reduce to total cost of the undergraduate education. In some cases the credit received may be in the form of a waiver of particular core requirement rather than use actual credit towards the undergraduate degree. Therefore, it is important for parents and students alike to go determine the policy towards receiving credit for AP exams in those colleges that the students intends to apply to.
Favourable admission Bias:The admission committee of many schools have favourable bias for international students who take the AP exams and perform well in same. According to research conducted by Crux Research n in March 2007, 85 per cent of the selective colleges in the US reported that the students taking AP examinations favourably impacts their admission decisions
Similar to SAT II, the AP exams are yet another yardstick to assess student’s proficiency and academic prowess cross the student applicant pool. Some universities also consider a student AP track record in determining which students will receive merit based scholarships.
The Advanced Placement International diploma (APID):
The APID is available for international students who have scored a three or higher in the AP exams across several subject areas. Similar to International Baccalaureate diploma, the APID provides international recognition for students planning to pursue undergraduate education abroad. It does not replace a high school diploma or the 11th and 12th year of education.
In order to qualify for the APID, students must score a three or higher in at least five AP examinations namely two AP’s from English and Literature one from History, Social Sciences or Art one from Mathematics or Science and one from, Human Geography World History or government and politics
ASP Exams offered:
1) Calculus AB / BC
2) Statistics
3) Chemistry
4) Physics B. C.
5) Biology
6) Environmental Science
7) Computer science A
8) Macro / micro Economics
9) European History
10) French History
11) German History
12) World History
13) US History
14) Art history
15) Studio Art
16) Comp Government & Politics
17) US Government & Politics
18) Human Geography
19) English language / Literature
20) Japanese Language & Culture
21) Chinese Language & culture
22) Spanish Language / Literature
23) Latin: Vergil
24) Music theory
25) Psychology
AP exams are essentially proficiency based exams in given discipline. The exams are held once a year in the month of May and are a combination of multiple choice questions and essays. The exams are offered in various subject areas and are scored on a five point scale with five points being the highest score.
There are a number of benefits of taking the AP examinations as enumerated below:
College Credit:Most US based colleges as well as those in other countries generally recognize the AP exams and give credit towards the undergraduate degree for students who receive a five on the AP exams. Some colleges also give credit to those students scoring a three or a four on the exams. These credits are counted towards graduation and in effect can reduce to total cost of the undergraduate education. In some cases the credit received may be in the form of a waiver of particular core requirement rather than use actual credit towards the undergraduate degree. Therefore, it is important for parents and students alike to go determine the policy towards receiving credit for AP exams in those colleges that the students intends to apply to.
Favourable admission Bias:The admission committee of many schools have favourable bias for international students who take the AP exams and perform well in same. According to research conducted by Crux Research n in March 2007, 85 per cent of the selective colleges in the US reported that the students taking AP examinations favourably impacts their admission decisions
Similar to SAT II, the AP exams are yet another yardstick to assess student’s proficiency and academic prowess cross the student applicant pool. Some universities also consider a student AP track record in determining which students will receive merit based scholarships.
The Advanced Placement International diploma (APID):
The APID is available for international students who have scored a three or higher in the AP exams across several subject areas. Similar to International Baccalaureate diploma, the APID provides international recognition for students planning to pursue undergraduate education abroad. It does not replace a high school diploma or the 11th and 12th year of education.
In order to qualify for the APID, students must score a three or higher in at least five AP examinations namely two AP’s from English and Literature one from History, Social Sciences or Art one from Mathematics or Science and one from, Human Geography World History or government and politics
ASP Exams offered:
1) Calculus AB / BC
2) Statistics
3) Chemistry
4) Physics B. C.
5) Biology
6) Environmental Science
7) Computer science A
8) Macro / micro Economics
9) European History
10) French History
11) German History
12) World History
13) US History
14) Art history
15) Studio Art
16) Comp Government & Politics
17) US Government & Politics
18) Human Geography
19) English language / Literature
20) Japanese Language & Culture
21) Chinese Language & culture
22) Spanish Language / Literature
23) Latin: Vergil
24) Music theory
25) Psychology
